Thriller in Salt Lake as Moanalua outlasts Nanakuli, 49-35
BY HAWAII SPORTS RADIO NETWORK STAFF
PUBLISHED AUGUST 30, 2025
SALT LAKE – Moanalua and Nanakuli squared off in a high-scoring OIA Division I matchup on Friday, with Na Menehune pulling away late for a 49-35 victory.
The home team wasted no time getting on the board, as Kamuela Farias powered into the end zone on a 6-yard run. Moments later, Farias struck again—this time breaking free for a 56-yard touchdown that gave Moanalua a 14-0 lead in the opening quarter.
Nanakuli answered in the second quarter when quarterback Allix Yap connected with Vainuupo Fanuaea on a 25-yard scoring strike. The period featured four total touchdowns, and Moanalua carried a 28-13 advantage into halftime.
The Golden Hawks came out strong to open the third quarter. Yap capped a drive with a 2-yard rushing score, then completed a successful two-point conversion to Fanuaea, cutting the deficit to 28-21. Nanakuli found the end zone again soon after, pulling within one at 28-27 midway through the quarter.
Moanalua responded with authority, stringing together back-to-back touchdowns to push the lead to 42-27 heading into the final period. Nanakuli kept fighting, as Naehu Kipi punched in a 4-yard touchdown to make it a one-score game. But Na Menehune sealed the win with a late touchdown run from DJ Miller, closing out the 49-35 victory.
Hawaiʻi Blanks New Mexico State, 3-0, for Third Straight Shutout
HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi women’s soccer team continued its strong run of form Thursday, scoring three times in the second half to defeat New Mexico State, 3-0, at the UH Lower Campus Field. The Rainbow Wahine improved to 3-3 on the...
Ratkai, Hakas help Hawai’i handle Utah Tech to open OUTRIGGER Invitational
HONOLULU – No Cha’lei Reid, no problem. The University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team showed no signs of slowdown without the services of their preseason all-conference outside hitter on Thursday night, handling Utah Tech (2-2) in straight...
Hawai‘i, UNLV Meet in Early Mountain West Test for Island Showdown Trophy
HONOLULU — It may only be Week 1, but there will already be plenty at stake when Hawai‘i and UNLV meet Saturday afternoon at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Both teams enter the matchup 0-1 after opening-week losses, but Saturday also marks...
Fresh Faces, Strong Connections: HPU Volleyball Welcomes Gibson and Hunstock
Hawai‘i Pacific University women’s volleyball is underway for the 2026 season with a young roster looking to grow together on and off the court. Head coach Jenic Tumaneng joined Sharks Weekly alongside freshman middle blockers Presley Gibson and...
Three players to watch for in Hawaii-UNLV’s Week 1 matchup
HONOLULU – It’s time for another edition of the Ninth Island Showdown. The battle for the Golden Pineapple trophy will take a trip into the middle of the Pacific Ocean on Saturday as the University of Hawai’i hosts UNLV in a critical early-season...
Kapolei moves up to No. 2 in Lasquero’s latest HS Football rankings heading into September
Michael Lasquero gives his Top 25 best teams in the state heading into the fifth weekend of the Hawaii High School Football season.1. Mililani (3-0) Previous rank: 1 Last week: beat McClymonds (California), 50-0 This week: vs. Foothill (Nevada)...
Ford’s big day helps Stanford deny late Hawai’i comeback
Too many mistakes to overcome. The University of Hawai’i football team put fans through a rollercoaster ride on Saturday afternoon, ultimately faltering in the final minutes of the fourth quarter on “The Farm” as Stanford (1-0) scored twice in the...
All Division-I FBS College Football players with Hawaii-ties in 2026
The talent pool of football players from Hawai'i is deep. As the college football season is upon us, here is a list of all players with Hawai'i-ties that are on a Division-I FBS roster in 2026. Note: If any player is missing, please email...
Walker wins debut as Hawai’i handles Georgia Southern
HONOLULU – The newest era of Rainbow Wahine volleyball is under way. Under the direction of first-year head coach Joshua Walker, the University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team took care of business to begin the 2026 season with a four-set...
Kaimuki snaps 18-game losing streak with full team showing over Waialua
KALIHI – Bulldogs bite back. In Thursday night’s “Bulldog Bowl” at Farrington High School, it was the guys in green that got off a near three-year slide as the Kaimuki Bulldogs used a punishing rushing attack, timely special teams plays and...